Static mixes might be good-sounding, but they are often not very interesting. For this reason, it’s necessary to take the extra mile while mixing, and automating your plugins to add depth and interest to your mixes. Here’s three different methods to add spice to your tracks by automating delay plugins.

In these examples, I’ll be using EchoBoy by Soundtoys, but the effects are fairly universal using any well-equipped analog-style echo plugin.

Automating the delay time in milliseconds (ms)

In the first example, I’ll be automating a delay’s echo time to vary the frequency of the echoes throughout the duration of the delay. Make sure to crank the feedback of the delay to create a long loop of delays. The important function in this method is the time knob.

The delay time automation graph for the first effect. The recorded effect in audio below.

The “Echo Time” -knob in EchoBoy is the important part to achieving this effect.

Listen to the audio example below to hear the tape-style speeding up and slowing down -effect.

Automating the groove of the delay

Second, another interesting method to squeeze some advanced effects out of a delay is to automate its groove or swing function. If your delay has a function like this, take advantage of it to change the groove in real time.

Automating the delay feedback

Lastly, one of my favorite uses for a delay – automating the feedback. The feedback of the delay can be used to create interesting, spacious soundscapes, tails and effects to any sound. Notice that I enabled the “DM-2” style in EchoBoy to give the delay a gritty, analog feel.

The automation graph for the delay feedback.

Automate the “Feedback” -knob in your delay to create interesting sounds. Use an analog-modeled delay style so the feedback doesn’t get out of hand and start self-oscillating like crazy.